Brazilian police fire tear gas at World Cup protesters as journalist 'injured' amid rubber bullets and stun grenades

Gordon Rayner and Donna Bowater
The Telegraph
Thu, 12 Jun 2014 03:15 UTC

© Nelson Antoine/AP

A protester is detained by police during the demonstration in Sao Paulo

Within 10 minutes of the demonstration, officers had reportedly fired tear gas and sound bombs, and arrested one, according to local press.

Local people angry at the amount of public money being spent on the tournament have begun to carry out their threat of taking to the streets around the stadium where the opening ceremony will take place ahead of the first match.

The protest started in the east of São Paulo, which will host the opening ceremony of the World Cup from around 3pm local time (9pm UK time).

Meanwhile tanks were sent to Rio de Janeiro's main airport in anticipation of angry scenes after airport workers announced a 24-hour wildcat strike which is likely to affect thousands of fans flying in for Brazil 2014.

Twenty per cent of airport workers in Rio were expected to go on strike, affecting three airports: the international airport, and two domestic airports.

Longer queues than usual were reported.

About a dozen airport workers blocked a road outside one airport, causing long tailbacks.

© Rodrigo ABD/AP

Police fire rubber bullets at protestors in Sao Paulo, today

In Sao Paulo around 200 protesters tried to cut off a main road leading to the Corinthians Arena.

Police fired loud stun grenades to disperse the crowd.

About two hours later the demonstrators regrouped and threw stones at police as well as setting fire to rubbish a short distance from the initial clashes.

There were also reports that Molotov cocktails were thrown in the city near the municipal chamber.

There had been four protests planned in São Paulo this morning; the first began at 10am local time.

The demonstration closest to the Corinthians Arena, where Brazil will play Croatia later today, was reportedly invaded by a movement known as the People's World Cup, reported Folha de São Paulo.

A CNN producer called Barbara Arvanitidis was left bleeding after police used stun grenades.

The BBC's Wyre Davies helped administer first aid, and images appeared to show a journalist being tended to by paramedics.

© Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

CNN producer named as Barbara Arvanitidis receives medical attention

CNN journalist Shasta Darlington said: "Thank you to @WyreDavies and cordon of protesters who helped our @Arvanb01 after we were hit by canister at protest #CNNWorldCup"

At least one demonstrator was arrested in the clashes, where protesters carried a banner saying "If people don't get their rights there will be no World Cup".

Many Brazilians are angry about the £6.7 billion spent on hosting the World Cup in a country where millions of people live in slums and basic services such as healthcare are underfunded.

© Nacho Doce/Reuters

A protester throws a tear gas bomb after military police shot at protesters during the demonstration in Sao Paulo

Government ministers will be hoping for a home win in tonight's opening match against Croatia to bring a feel-good factor to the country.

Melisa da Silva, wearing Brazil's green and yellow colours as she headed to work in Sao Paulo, said: "Well, it's here, and I think now it's time to cheer the team. I don't see why people should still be sad."

Other strikes and protests are expected in the 12 host cities for the tournament. Some businesses in Rio have boarded up windows and doors in fear of rioting.

Comment: Again, we see that psychopathic leaders continue with their agendas with no consideration for civilians. It is clear that the majority of the Brazilian people are against the World Cup being held in Brazil, on which the government is wasting billions of money that could have been used to improve life in Brazil, not to mention offering help to the children living there: as of right now, poor Brazilian children are being forced into prostitution to meet the demand of fans of the World Cup. It is sad to see that protests are met with violence from the police force. There is nobody to listen, and the government ministers have the nerve to say that they will be hoping for a win in the match "to bring a feel-good factor to the country''?!